Tsunami hits Pacific after Japan earthquake

March 11, 2011 |Surfing

A tsunami warning has been issued in the Pacific Ocean region, after a 8.9-magnitude earthquake hit Japan. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center says people should move to safe and high areas, as waves might seriously damage the coastal shores.

The threatened regions are Hawaii, Russia, Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand, Central America, South America and Antarctica. The sea level has raised in the past hours and 20 countries were put on high alert.

The U.S. West Coast, including California, is not affected by the warning center. The strong tsunami that affected Japan's coast has devastated properties and taken dozens of lives. The local authorities are still trying to confirm missing people.

Please, check the swell forecast for the following regions: West Coast USA, Hawaii and for the Pacific Ocean. Make sure to protect yourselves and your family and friends. Head to higher regions.

In Japan, office buildings are on fire, people are running in a state of shock. Ships were swept away, trains in Tokyo have been suspended and airports closed. The epicenter of the quake was 81 miles off the coast of Honshu Island, East of the city of Sendai.

Trashed and firing buildings, mud, destroyed boats and debris are moving fast across as the waves keep coming inland into the Japanese farm region.